Derek McInnes Disappointed by Lockout of Away Fans in Celtic-Rangers Derbies

Derek McInnes has voiced his disappointment at the decision to lock out away fans from the remaining league derbies between Celtic and Rangers this season.

The move follows the ugly flashpoints at Ibrox last term after a Scottish Cup tie between the rivals, incidents that pushed the clubs and the league back to the table. Ahead of next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, Rangers proposed a reduced away allocation. Celtic knocked that back.

Talks with the SPFL then produced the stark outcome: no away supporters at any SPFL fixtures between the Glasgow giants for the rest of the campaign.

McInnes learned of the development in real time.

“I noticed the news on the Sky ticker tape there,” he said at his Friday press conference. “First reaction is that it is disappointing that it has been made.

“Without commenting too much because I don't know the club's position on it at the moment, I think it is more appropriate that the club speaks on it.

“But it's always better when the opposition fans are allowed into a derby game.

“But whether that can be... there has still got to be behaviours met and obviously the decision has been made.

“I don't know, I haven't spoken to anyone at the club regarding that so I can't really comment any more than that.”

The manager’s words cut to the heart of the issue. The spectacle of an Old Firm derby has always fed off the noise from both ends. Now, for the rest of this league season at least, that soundtrack is gone.